At AIFS, we believe in the power of international exchange to bring the world together and want to support all students as they change the way they see their world; no matter their gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Below are resources to help you throughout your study abroad journey. We also encourage you to visit your university's study abroad website and office as they might have more information and resources on diversity and inclusion in study abroad.

While abroad, if you experience challenges related to your identity or want to talk to someone, we encourage you to connect with your Resident Director in-country. They will be able to provide guidance and support to you as well as point you toward resources in your host country to assist with your experience.

If you would like to speak with AIFS alumni who are members of any of the communities below, please email us at alumni@aifs.com and let us know and we would be happy to connect you with former AIFS program participants.

General Resources

Talking to Your Family about Study Abroad (PDF): For a lot of students, an important step in the study abroad process is letting your family know you want to go abroad. You can use this guide to starting the conversation with your family members and give them more details about AIFS. Remember, this talk might have to happen a few times to convince them, but it’s well worth the effort.

Cultural Etiquette: Information on countries around the world, including customs, dining ettiquette and body language.

Identity Abroad & Diversity

Diversity Abroad: Provides information on international destinations, including funding opportunities, for diverse and underrepresented students

PLATO: A compilation of organizations, resources, and scholarships that support academic advancement for underrepresented groups who study abroad

Ron Brown Scholarship: RBSP competitively awards Ron Brown Scholars four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship

Jackie Robinson Scholarship: “JRF Scholars” receive grants of up to $30,000 over four years to complement the financial aid they receive from their colleges or universities.

United Negro College Fund: The UNCF manages various scholarship programs and each program has its own eligibility criteria, open/close dates and required documentation. To apply for a UNCF scholarship, you must apply through the on-line application process.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund: HSF empowers families with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing scholarships and support services to as many exceptional students as possible.

Travel Noire: Cultivated insights from a global community of black travelers.

Her Own Way: A woman's safe-travel guide published by Global Affairs Canada.

Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability and need accommodations to be made during your time abroad, we ask that you please download and complete the appropriate form(s) below and return them to the Admissions Officer for your intended AIFS study abroad program.

Although AIFS is committed to supporting all students in their study abroad journey, we cannot guarantee that it will be possible to honor all accommodation requests. AIFS staff will review all requests, consult with onsite staff and host institutions and communicate with you throughout this process.

Resources

Diversity Abroad: Information to assist students with disabilities with their study abroad plans

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: A comprehensive listing of scholarship options for students with disabilities that range from national financial aid opportunities to local opportunities within the United States.

Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people demanding human rights for all people – no matter who they are or where they are. They are the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization.

Identities Abroad: Hosted by the Colleges of the Fenway, the site features videos, resources and frequently asked questions for LGBTQ+ students planning to go abroad.

GLAAD: Tips that can be used as you move toward becoming a better ally to transgender people.

Human Rights Campaign: A welcoming guide for supporters to build bridges of understanding when someone they know comes out to them as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. The guide answers initial questions and shares facts, strategies, and ways to show your support as an ally in the fight for LGBTQ equality.

Pride Foundation Scholarships: Pride Foundation is able to offer more than 50 scholarships through one application, which encourage students of different backgrounds and educational interests to apply. Scholarships are organized in four distinct categories: academic pursuits, community leadership, cultural identities, and geography.

LGBTQIA Study Abroad Interactive Map: This interactive map, designed by the UC Davis, profiles each country through the laws impacting their LGBTQIA communities, local organizations providing LGBTQIA advocacy or support, and multimedia resources about LGBTQIA identities in the region.

I’m First: An online community for first-generation college students—and their supporters. Hear inspiring stories and share your own, discover colleges that care about first-gen students, find answers to your questions about college, and receive guidance on the road to and through college.

One of the biggest perceived barriers to studying abroad is funding. Below are some great resources to help invest in your education abroad experience.

AIFS Scholarships: Each year, more than $800,000 in scholarships, grants and financial support is awarded to deserving students & institutions. Funds are available for both summer and semester programs. The scholarships listed are not available to students on AIFS customized faculty-led programs. If you are participating in a program through your school, check with the study abroad director for details of any special AIFS scholarships that may be available.

Boren Scholarships: An initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.

Critical Language Scholarship: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students.

Diversity Abroad Scholarships: Directory of scholarships and programs, with a focus on resources for minority, low income and first generation college students.

Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships: Grants scholarships up to $10,000. Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad and those destined for non-traditional locations are given preference, in an effort to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program: The goal of GMS is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding Pell Grant eligible students of color to reach their fullest potential.

Generation Study Abroad Scholarships: A five-year initiative of the Institute of International Education (IIE) to mobilize resources and commitments with the goal of doubling the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade.

Gilman Scholarship: Aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go by offering awards to U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints.

Ask families to give you money or travel-related gifts for holidays and birthdays

Consider a part-time job

Crowdfunding

One of the most popular and creative fundraising ideas currently is crowdfunding, which is the practice of raising small money from numerous people to fund a project (in this case study abroad). Previous AIFS students have found success from this practice and have raised thousands of dollars toward their program fees. Most sites charge either a per-donation or one-time fee for using their service and students should research the crowdsourcing platforms available online to determine which site best suits their needs. Once you have a personalized crowdfunding website you should share the link on your social media platforms to spread the word and consider getting business cards made that you can pass out to everyone. Strangers are often willing to donate to your cause if you have a compelling story and are only asking for $2. Keep in mind that every dollar counts.

AIFS assumes no responsibility for the professional private organizations whose links appear above. The inclusion of the websites above on this site does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of AIFS. Additionally, AIFS has not verified the accuracy of information included on those websites nor is AIFS involved in updating the information on websites maintained by private groups or organizations.